Ever since I started working remotely, I've noticed that my relationship with technology was becoming less of a tool and more of an obsession. I was constantly plugged in, updating social media, scrolling through news feeds, and staying connected with work at all hours.
And I know I'm not alone in this.
So, I wanted to share my journey toward a healthier relationship with technology. This journey, often termed “digital detox,” doesn't demonize technology; instead, it aims to reclaim our control over it.
What does this actually look like?
For me, it was about setting achievable rules for myself – guidelines that didn't completely cut me off from technology (because let's face it, most of us don't have that luxury), but that allowed me to disconnect sustainably.
Some things I did that can help you:
- Lock apps using your phone's built-in tools to set daily time limits for overall usage or specific apps.
- Choose which apps can send you notifications. Only pick the really important ones (you don't need a Twitter or Pinterest notification!)
- Spend at least 30 minutes outside without your phone. If you're worried about safety, let a loved one know where you're going and when you'll be back.
- Get an old-school alarm clock. That way, you're not tempted to look at your phone first thing in the morning (bonus: No snoozing allowed!)
- Remember those things you used to enjoy that didn't need a screen? Like reading real books, cooking, or playing an instrument. If you don't have a hobby, experiment with a few until you find one that resonates with you.
- Avoid too many apps for work. One tool that helps me manage my tech use and create a realistic schedule is Sunsama. It is a daily planner that supports sustainable productivity and collates all to-dos in one place. It helps me save my mental bandwidth managing todos in multiple apps.
A final tip is that don't treat this digital detox as a one-size-fits-all. You'll know it's working when you notice a decrease in symptoms like anxiety, eye strain, or difficulty focusing.
Have you tried a digital detox? Any tips or tools that have worked for you?